"How China's internal politics could derail its peaceful rise"--Jkt.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [273]-310) and index.

Strong abroad but fragile at home -- China's economic miracle -- Domestic threats -- The echo chamber of nationalism : media and the Internet -- The responsible power -- Japan : "when the Chinese people get angry, the result is always big trouble" -- Taiwan : "a question of regime survival" -- The United States : "external troubles can become internal troubles" -- China's weakness, America's danger.

"Once a sleeping giant, China today is the world's fastest growing economy - the leading manufacturer of cell phones, laptop computers, and digital cameras - a dramatic turnaround that alarms many Westerners. But in this book, Susan L. Shirk opens up the black box of Chinese politics and finds that the real danger lies not in China's astonishing growth, but in the deep insecurity of its leaders. China's rulers face a troubling paradox: the more developed and prosperous the country becomes, the more insecure and threatened they feel. Unless we understand China's brittle internal politics and the insecurities of its leaders, we face the very real possibility of unavoidable conflict with rising China. This book provides that understanding". -- Book Jacket.